The Oakland Black Board of Trade & Commerce in association with the Black Wall Street Merchants Association present the Quarterly "Business Luncheon Series". The keynote speaker for this luncheon will be Will Kempton, Caltrans Director of Operations. Kempton will discuss the best method and procedures for small, women, disabled and minority owned businesses to contract and develop long-term working relationships with the Caltrans agency.

The "Business Luncheon Series" takes place at the Emeryville Holiday Inn at 1800 Powell Street in Emeryville on Thursday, July 27, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Tickets for the luncheon are $100.00 per person. Proceeds support the Oakland Black Board of Trade & Commerce scholorships and Black Wall Street District Area scholorship funds.

"We are delighted to have Kempton speak to small, medium and minority owned firms about the potential of doing real and sustainable business with the Caltrans agency." Said Ed Dillard, President, Oakland Black Board of Trade & Commerce and Black Wall Street Merchants Association.

Dillard said, "Our business community should to be aware of the numerous opportunities this agency has to offer."

Appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in November 2004, Kempton is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of California’s state transportation system, including more than 50,000 lane miles of state highways stretching from Mexico to Oregon and from the Pacific Ocean to Nevada and Arizona. According to Caltrans.
As leader of Caltrans, Kempton oversees an annual operating budget of more than $9 billion, 22,000 employees, and $7 billion worth of transportation improvements under construction. Kempton began his career in transportation with Caltrans in 1973. He held management positions in the area of finance and the director’s office prior to being appointed as Assistant Director in charge of Legislative and Congressional affairs. In these positions, Kempton developed a broad understanding of transportation programs and policies at all levels of government. He is particularly knowledgeable in the area of transportation finance and legislative point of view.

"Ed Dillard is a true servant to the community in working to get on the Directors' calendar...and we hope to get Director Kempton to shine more light on the Caltrans Civil Rights Program that services disadvantaged business enterprises." said Rev. Michael Carter, Sr., Board Chairman of the Black Wall Street Merchants Association. Rev. Carter, Sr. said. "The playing feild must be level to ensure equal participation by all.

According to Olivia Fonseca, Deputy Director and Small Business Advocate at Caltrans, the purpose of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Civil Rights Program is to increase the level of participation of disadvantaged businesses in all Federal contracting activities. Pursuant to Federal regulations, to participate in the program, qualifying firms must first be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the Caltrans Civil Rights Program.
For those with interest in participating in the State of California Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification Program.You may contact them at (916) 324-1700 or toll free at (866) 810-6346 or go online to: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/index.htm.
Firms interested in certification as a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) should contact the Department of General Services, Procurement Division, Office of Small Business and DVBE Certification (OSDC) (800) 559-5529 or (916) 375-4940.

Only small business concerns as defined by the United States Small Business Administration which are owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, can be certified as a DBE. Owned and controlled means: At least 51 percent of the small business concern is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

For the MBE/WBE Certification Programs: An MBE is a small business owned and controlled by one or more minorities. Owned and controlled means: At least 51 percent of the small business concern is owned by one or more minorities or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of all issued stock is owned by one or more minorities; and Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more such individuals.

An WBE is a small business owned and controlled by one or more women. Owned and controlled means that: At least 51 percent of the small business concern is owned by one or more women; and Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women who own it.

"This luncheon promises to be an enlightening discussion on the inner workings and future plans of the agency for the Bay Area and California." said Carter, Sr..

If you're a busineess owner you may enter to win a FREE seat at the "Business Luncheon Series" event. Get 1 of the 5 available guest seats. To sign up Visit www.blackwallstreet.org.